Category Archives: Aviation

dnata Travel reveals that Thailand is the most popular destination for UAE travellers for summer holidays in 2022. Experts at the UAE-based travel brand are recording a 185% increase in the total number of travel bookings made for summer 2022 so far compared to the same time period in 2021. A total 64% of hotel bookings are for international properties, while 34% represent UAE staycations across the country. The top ten destinations for UAE travellers to book a holiday package, including flights and hotels, with dnata Travel at the time of publishing, are: Thailand, Maldives, Turkey, Mauritius, UK, Indonesia, Italy, USA, Spain and France, respectively. Flight-only leisure travel bookings are also proving popular to visit friends and relatives, with top destinations including India, Egypt, Philippines, Turkey, and the UK, most concentrated during the time of the anticipated Eid al-Adha break in July. Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, commented: “The top five holiday destinations for UAE travellers in 2022 have typically made up our top locations for international travel bookings pre-pandemic. With more locations opening up to travellers this year and with eased restrictions, we have witnessed our 2021 summer holiday hotspots the Maldives and Turkey joined once again by ever-popular destinations Thailand, Mauritius and the UK. “Thailand has risen quickly to become the top-choice international holiday destination for UAE travellers in summer 2022 since it reopened for tourism. Alongside the world-class resorts, experiences, food and abundance of natural attractions that the country has to offer, cost-effective holiday offers across its cities and islands are extremely popular.” The top locations of choice for UAE travellers to Thailand this summer with dnata Travel are Bangkok, Phuket …

Wizz Air is launching exciting new routes from Dammam, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to Rome, Vienna and Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi route will be operated by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Wizz Air’s joint venture airline with ADQ. Launching in September 2022, the new destinations are the first step towards a growing presence in KSA which will provide for the first time truly affordable, hassle-free, point to point travel for tourists and residents in the Kingdom, Europe and the UAE, strengthening global connectivity. The new routes by Wizz Air introduce a new era of travel to the Residents of KSA by unlocking affordable travel opportunities and giving them access to WIZZ’s incredibly low fares. Tickets for all routes are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, with fares starting from 24.99€.* Last month Wizz Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Investment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia supported by the Saudi National Air Connectivity Programme (a Ministry of Tourism initiative) to support the development of the Saudi Tourism Sector. The MoU reflects a shared vision between the parties on the potential Wizz Air could bring to the Kingdom to stimulate tourist demand, thereby making a significant contribution to Saudi Arabia’s planned growth. The new destinations support the growing Saudi Arabian tourism sector, aligning with the Vision 2030 programme, a strategic and ambitious vision to triple passenger traffic in the Kingdom by 2030. The ultra-low-cost routes will boost the burgeoning tourism industry and significantly increase connectivity for residents in Europe and the region, with key strategic government partners collaborating to add to the Saudi aviation ecosystem. Robert Carey, President of Wizz Air, …

flydubai is preparing for a record-breaking summer, building on the momentum from the tremendous performance in the first quarter of 2022 and the surge in demand for travel. The carrier is gearing up to welcome three million passengers over the busiest summer in the airline’s history. Over the summer period, an average of 8,500 departures per month are scheduled across flydubai’s network of 102 destinations, which exceeds pre-pandemic levels. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “while the global aviation sector has been slowly recovering from the repercussions of the pandemic, we have seen Dubai steadfast in its approach to enable the return to free flows of trade and tourism. The decisions made early on in the pandemic have enabled us to ramp up our operations to cater to the pent-up demand in record time. This would not have been possible without the hard work of our people, the collaborative approach taken by the key stakeholders in the UAE and the confidence our passengers have in our operations.” “Our agility and preparedness, strong business model and the scheduled aircraft deliveries this year, will see that we are well placed to overcome the challenges through which we as an industry continue to navigate. We look forward to an exceptional summer of connecting people, opening up underserved markets and providing our customers with more options to travel,” added Al Ghaith. Returning to a single hub operation flydubai’s flights to more than 30 destinations, which were temporarily operating out of Dubai World Central (DWC), return to operate from Dubai International (DXB) from 23 June. This follows the successful completion of the 45-day period Northern Runway Rehabilitation programme at DXB. Between 09 …

As travel rebounds from the impact of the pandemic, Emirates is busy preparing for its busiest period yet, with over 550,000 customers expected to fly out from the UAE between June and July on over 2,400 weekly network-wide departures. The airline continues to add flights and frequencies where possible as it ramps up its summer schedule, and will be operating close to 80% of its pre-pandemic capacity, or over 1 million weekly seats this summer to serve demand. Daily booking volumes are accelerating as summer holidays draw closer, and Emirates is urging customers who haven’t planned their holidays or made travel arrangements to get ahead and book now to ensure they are able to travel on their preferred dates and flights. This year, travellers from the UAE will be heading to Emirates’ six UK destinations, Cairo, Amman, Emirates’ nine Indian points, Manila and Beirut to visit family and friends. Leisure travel traffic from the UAE will also be at an all-time high, with scores of travellers, mainly families and couples, making their way to Bangkok, Istanbul, Vienna, Zurich, Nice, Phuket, Singapore, Oslo, Kuala Lumpur, Brisbane and the west coast of the US for extended summer holidays as more countries continue open up for tourism and drop their entry restrictions. As many customers have been waiting for almost two years to travel, Emirates is working hard to ensure it provides an incredible onboard experience, and a seamless journey on the ground. On the ground, customers can look forward to a speedy process when they utilise the airline’s biometric path in Terminal 3 for a contactless journey from select check-in desks, Emirates lounges and boarding gates. The airline has also introduced other …

Oman Air has increased weekly flight frequencies on its Muscat-Salalah-Muscat sector to a total of 112 weekly flights, running between 23 June and 11 September 2022. The airline offers wide-body service between Muscat and Salalah, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330 in addition to the Boeing 737, with eight flights per day in each direction, providing flexible travel and connecting flight options. The first flight from Muscat departs at 02:05, and the last flight departs at 20:20. Salalah’s first flight leaves at 04:50, while the last flight leaves at 22:45. Flight schedules and times are subject to change, and guests are invited to consult omanair.com for the most up-to-date information. “Salalah is teeming with tourists from all across the Gulf region at this time of year,” stated Ahmed Ali Al Mahrouqi, Regional Vice President – Oman & GCC.  “Verdant mountains, cool drizzle and breathtaking natural settings serve as a magnet to tourists who wish to get away from hotter climes. Year after year, the number of people who are fascinated by the wonderful Khareef phenomenon that surrounds the beautiful city of Salalah grows dramatically.” Salalah packages were also created by Oman Air Holidays, allowing travelers to see some of the most popular tourist attractions in and around Salalah. Each package is designed to give tourists a taste of some of the city’s most popular attractions. Throughout its network, the airline has initiated numerous promotional activities aimed at travel agencies, tour operators, and the general public to unveil its new packages which are created with care for anyone in search of a bespoke, unforgettable holiday experience. “To satisfy this burgeoning demand, Oman Air has boosted its Salalah frequency, now …

A ceremony for the inaugural flight was held recently at Queen Alia International Airport. Present were Her Excellency The Canadian Ambassador Donica Pottie, RJ Vice Chairman/CEO Samer Majali and Airport International Group CEO Nicolas Claude. RJ Vice Chairman/CEO Samer Majali expressed his pleasure at the addition of Toronto to RJ’s route network, a move that comes in implementation of the airline’s five-year strategy, which includes, among others, growing the fleet and the route network in order to position Amman as the leading gateway for the Levant. Majali said that the new route is bound to attract more tourists to Jordan, facilitate travel for individuals, families, expatriates, Arab communities, students and businessmen, and boost trade between the Jordanian and the Canadian markets. “Furthermore, we are now focusing on bringing in more tourists to Jordan and help boost tourism through providing outstanding quality of service accompanied by our Jordanian hospitality when flying RJ from/to Toronto,” Majali commented. Airport International Group CEO, Nicolas Claude, said: “We are pleased to be inaugurating this new route connecting Amman and Toronto, which aligns with our strategy to expand Queen Alia International Airport routes network, while providing passengers greater travel options and serving new markets. I would like to thank our national carrier, Royal Jordanian, for supporting our commitment to opening new routes, and strengthening our standing as an award-winning gateway to the Levant and the world.”

SAUDIA Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to collaborate on the development of products and services that will benefit and cater to guests coming to the Kingdom to perform Pilgrimage. The collaboration will encompass multiple of initiatives under four main tracks which are Digital Development and Integration, Training, Communication Awareness, and Measuring Satisfaction. The agreement was signed by His Excellency the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rubaieh, and His Excellency the Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar. The signing ceremony was held during the first day of the Hajj and Umrah conference and exhibition in Jeddah. This agreement will lead to the development of the specialized online platform (www.umrahbysaudia.com) for marketing Umrah products and issuing electronic visas (eVisa). It will also enable the airline to host more guests from different countries by integrating the platform with the “Eatmarna” application for easier Umrah bookings. Areas of cooperation also include coordination with the Ministry to improve the performance of the Hajj pilgrim’s movement during the pilgrimage, coordination with organizations that campaign for Hajj education, as well as preparing a procedural guide for pilgrims. Other initiatives will focus on measuring the satisfaction of guests and building awareness programs for Pilgrims on board by establishing a “Hajj and Umrah” channel in the in-flight entertainment system. The signing of the memorandum between the two entities showcases SAUDIA’s disposition to stay aligned with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah plans of increasing the number of pilgrims through projects that are currently being implemented, such as adding new international destinations the Airline’s network and offering more flights and increasing seat capacity. …

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), announced that leaders of the global aviation industry are gathering in Doha, Qatar, for the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS), with Qatar Airways as the host airline. The event (19-21 June) attracts the industry’s most senior leaders from among IATA’s 290 member airlines, as well as leading government officials, strategic partners, equipment suppliers, and media. “In a few days, Doha will become the aviation capital of the world. The last time we met in Doha, in 2014, we were celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first airline flight. This year’s AGM is another momentous occasion: Airlines are simultaneously recovering from the COVID-19 crisis, setting the path to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, working to improve gender diversity, and adapting to a geopolitical environment that is undergoing its greatest shock in over three decades,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “It is an absolute privilege to be hosting our industry partners in Qatar Airways’ home city, particularly during our milestone 25th year of operations. Coming together face-to-face provides us with the opportunity to discuss lessons learnt from our recent years during the pandemic, global issues affecting us all in the here and now, and to plan the best way forward for the industry.” The WATS opens immediately following the AGM. A highlight will be the third edition of the Diversity and Inclusion Awards sponsored by Qatar Airways. These awards recognize organizations and individuals who are making a difference in helping to drive the industry’s 25by2025 initiative to make the aviation industry more gender balanced. …

Etihad Airways has confirmed it will return to London Heathrow’s Terminal 4 from 22 June 2022. Etihad is returning to Terminal 4 following a temporary home at Terminals 2 & 3 during the pandemic. Transport connections including the London Underground and Heathrow Express will also reopen. The Etihad Lounge will also re-open for Etihad’s First and Business class guests, as well as Etihad Guest Platinum and Gold members. The lounge has separate areas for relaxing and dining, as well as a children’s playroom to entertain Etihad’s ‘Little VIPs’. Etihad has also confirmed that from July to September 2022 it is increasing its current four daily flights from London Heathrow to five daily flights. Also from July, Etihad will increase its services into Dublin to offer a daily flight, and continue to operate daily to and from Manchester. Following the official opening of Terminal 4 on 22 June, London Heathrow is expecting a large number of guests for travel. To ensure a seamless and quick journey time, Etihad is asking all passengers to check in online, arrive at the airport early during this time – the Etihad check-in desks at London Heathrow will be open three and a half hours before departure – and also check whether they need to get Verified to Fly at etihad.com/destinationguide.

Emirates adds another First Class experience with a new Home Check-in Service that offers customers the option to check in from home in a comfortable and convenient manner. This service is provided free of charge to Emirates’ First Class customers based in Dubai and Sharjah, where the Check-in Agents will visit their homes or hotels at pre-booked timings to complete all check-in formalities, including document verification, checking-in of baggage, and issuing boarding passes. There is an allocated counter at the airport for any last-minute extra luggage. The Check-in Agents will take the luggage directly to the airport, while customers can choose to go to the airport at their convenience using the pre-booked Emirates complimentary chauffeur-drive service. The complimentary Home Check-in service must be booked at least 24 hours prior to flight departure time and the latest check in for the home service is six hours before the flight’s departure. On arrival at Dubai International airport (DXB), which must be minimum of 90 minutes prior to the flight, customers can proceed directly to immigration and security, and then continue to Emirates’ dedicated First Class Lounge. All Emirates customers can experience a smooth and contactless experience at the airport by using the Emirates App to check-in and issue a mobile boarding pass and using the Emirates’ self-service bag drop. Registered customers can continue hands-free through the airport by using the integrated biometrics tunnel and smart gates at DXB. First Class customers can enjoy a full complement of trademark services located within the Emirates First Class Lounge, such as: a complimentary facial treatment at the Timeless Spa, complimentary services at Shoeshine by Mr Cobbler, four fine champagne vintages at the dedicated Moet and …